Located in the outskirts of Abbottabad, Pakistan, the compound where Navy SEALs killed Osama bin Laden consisted of several structures protected by walls and electrified gates.

Located in the outskirts of Abbottabad, Pakistan, the compound where Navy SEALs killed Osama bin Laden consisted of several structures protected by walls and electrified gates.

Photo: San Francisco Chronicle

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Front pages of U.S. newspapers on May 2, 2011, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: Compiled By The Newseum

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Pentagon investigating 'The Shooter' article

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WASHINGTON — A Pentagon spokesman said Wednesday that the results of a preliminary inquiry into possible disclosure of classified information by a retired SEAL Team 6 sniper who says he killed Osama bin Laden might never be made public.

The investigation began after the former SEAL's anonymous account appeared in a story by Phil Bronstein that was published Monday in Esquire magazine. Excerpts were published in the San Antonio Express-News this month.

Gregory added: “We wouldn't be able to tell you if anything would even come of it. There wouldn't be some sort of public announcement one way or another. If there are issues that arise out of this, they would be addressed.”

Gregory noted there has been no public follow-up by the Pentagon on an earlier investigation into whether classified information was disclosed in “No Easy Day,” an account of the raid on bin Laden's walled compound written by retired SEAL Team 6 operative Matt Bissonnette.

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Army Lt. Col. Anne Edgecomb, spokeswoman for the Pentagon branch that handles special operations forces, said the Pentagon “has taken a comprehensive approach to address the issue of national security leaks.”

Edgecomb added, “We don't discuss the actual process, nor do we comment on whether or not a particular article contains unauthorized disclosure of classified information.”

Bronstein, author of the piece that identified the operative as “The Shooter,” said Pentagon officials had not contacted him or, to his knowledge, the retired SEAL quoted in the story.

“Should something get raised that brings us into it, we would have to look at it at that time, and figure out exactly what the circumstances are and obviously talk with our own counsel,” said Bronstein, a veteran journalist affiliated with the Center for Investigative Reporting.

“We continue to have an obligation that we need to meet and will meet to protect the confidentiality of the person who was called The Shooter in the story.”

Bronstein said there have been a number of published accounts about the raid into Pakistan in May 2011 that led to the killing of bin Laden.

Those would include the film “Zero Dark Thirty,” several books and TV documentaries.

“It's hard to imagine there would be anything new to talk about, never mind something classified,” Bronstein said.